By JULIUS MUHUMUZA

The National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), together with the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC), an organization that organizes workers globally, have revealed that Ugandan workers continue to face many challenges regarding their rights while at work, attributing it to the government's failure to implement the ratified conventions, particularly in adhering to the International Labor Standards.

The two organizations had an engagement meeting that was meant to provide ways of redressing the problems workers are facing in Uganda, a function held at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

In a meeting held in Kampala, representatives from the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC) discussed the ongoing challenges faced by Ugandan workers. Issues such as the lack of freedom of association and unjust contract terminations were highlighted, prompting a discussion on potential solutions to address these problems.

Richard Bigirwa, the Secretary General of NOTU, addressed the press, noting that there are challenges in the service negotiating council. He cautioned that Uganda's proposal for a salary review and remuneration board could potentially violate workers' rights to collective bargaining. Hence, a call to NOTU and ITUC to intervene.

NOTU and ITUC have stated that their primary focus is on finding solutions to the issues affecting workers in Uganda. They have expressed concern over the termination of workers' contracts without valid reasons, highlighting the potential risk of job loss for many workers in the country.

Workers MP Hon. Charles Bakabulindi and other officials have raised the issue of workers in Uganda, especially in industries, not receiving the justice needed to ensure they can fully exercise their rights.

Hon. Charles Bakabulindi said that as members of Parliament working with various leaders, we will be against the laws being pushed that may infringe on workers’ rights.

Honorable Byakatonda Abdul, the Workers Member of Parliament, emphasizes the importance of Uganda aligning with international minimum standards. He highlights that the issue in Uganda lies not in the lack of laws, but rather in the presence of professional dishonesty. 

Alex Nkosi, Africa Representative of the International Trade Union Congress, stressed that on the African continent, many workers face many challenges, such as the shrinking freedom of association, which need to be tackled through a combined effort. He adds that Uganda has ratified quite a number of conventions but still has the problem of implementation, especially ILO standards.

NOTU has also raised the concern of delaying the minimum wage in Uganda, calling upon the President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to engage the leaders of Workers over the matter.